The journey to finding my smile again was a long and winding road, marked by the shadows of an eating disorder that had clouded much of my life. For years, I was always told to smile, yet every glance in the mirror revealed an absence where joy should have been. Those fleeting moments when I did manage a smile were often tied to being at my thinnest—a facade that masked deep-seated struggles.

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Throughout this battle, I felt adrift, searching for a place where I belonged and where love felt unconditional. But amidst the turmoil, there was one constant source of warmth and acceptance: Tyson, my first Pit Bull love. Together we weathered countless storms; his steadfast presence often seemed like the only anchor keeping me afloat during some of life's darkest moments.

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My eating disorder took so much from me—dreams of fashion deferred and paths not taken. The inner bully was relentless in its pursuit of perfection, never allowing me to feel enough. Yet Tyson saw past all that; he loved me through it all—the tears shed on bathroom floors and days when darkness seemed unending. His unwavering loyalty saved me time after time.

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Despite the prejudices we faced due to his breed—people unable to see beyond "Pit Bull" to notice his gentle spirit—we persevered together as our own little team against the world: BullyProof. For three decades this internal struggle raged on, but with Tyson by my side, I began to understand what true love looked like: unconditional acceptance.

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When our journey together came to an end after 14 beautiful years with him by my side, saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've ever done. As I kissed him farewell for the last time, gratitude filling every tear—for teaching me resilience against life's battles and showing how powerful genuine connection can be. For never giving up on me and loving all my imperfections unconditionally.

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I promised Tyson then that I'd continue fighting—not just for myself but also for others grappling with mental illness—and advocate for more people experiencing transformative love from their own Tysons out there in this world because their love can truly save lives.

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Most importantly though? He taught me how vital it is never give up searching until you find your smile again...Today, I'm working towards honoring him by helping others find their smiles too—a mission he inspires daily—and cherishing mine because he showed me how precious it truly is.